Health Minister Simon Harris has said that it is essential that people have confidence in maternity services after the deaths of two babies at Cavan General Hospital.

Two investigations have begun into the deaths of the babies last week.

It is understood one child passed away following an emergency C-Section on Wednesday, while the second infant died on Sunday.

Minister Harris said that he expects the results of the investigations as a matter of urgency.

“I think it is really important that we have these reports so that we can establish the facts,” he said

“I think it would be inappropriate for me to comment further and it’s also very important that we respect patient confidentiality at this very sensitive and difficult time for families.

“But it’s absolutely essential that people can have confidence in their maternity services and I see a speedy conclusion of these reports so the facts can be known as a very important part of that confidence.”

The hospital’s maternity unit provides services for about 2,000 births a year.

The state’s 19 maternity hospitals and units are required to publish statements each month on patient safety but the most up-to-date for Cavan is from last December.

It said the perinatal mortality rate was 8.3, with 120 births recorded in that month and the figures adjusted per 1,000 births, similar to the rate in the UK.

More than one third of births involved a Caesarean, the statement said.